Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world affecting around 2 billion people – over 30% of the world’s population.  One of its main victims is women.  In the United States, it is estimated around 20% of women have iron deficiency – only 3% of men have iron deficiency.

The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency which is an insufficient number of red blood cells.  Women are more prone to developing iron deficiency for several reasons – heavy menstrual cycles, pregnancy, severe restriction of food intake while dieting, or practicing a strict vegetarian diet lacking in iron-rich foods.

Since women are much more likely to be iron deficient than men, it is important to know symptoms of this condition.  If a woman suspects she has iron deficiency, she needs to see her physician who will conduct certain tests to confirm the diagnosis.  Usual blood tests to conduct include checking the status of a woman’s hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin levels.

If a woman is found to have iron deficiency, she most likely will be recommended to take oral iron supplements and to increase her intake of food sources of iron.

12 symptoms a woman may have if she is iron deficient

Symptoms of iron deficiency can be subtle so it is important for a woman to know if she has the condition.  There are the usual symptoms many would expect but there can also be some surprising ones often not associated with iron deficiency.  Here are 12 symptoms women need to be aware of that could indicate she has iron deficiency:

1.     Unusual fatigue

Feeling fatigues is a common symptom many women will feel that could indicate iron deficiency.  The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.  If the blood cells are deprived of hemoglobin, a person will feel more tired.

2.     Easily winded

If a woman finds herself getting out of breath just walking to her car or down the block, she might be iron deficient.  Without enough iron in the blood, the body becomes starved for oxygen.

3.     Very pale skin

A woman who has noticed her skin tone has taken on a much paler complexion might suspect iron deficiency.  This washed-out appearance is due to reduced blood flow and a reduced number of red blood cells.

4.     Weakness or lack of endurance

Struggling to do the same workout as always but suddenly finding out the stamina is just not there anymore could be due to low iron levels that can cause weakness and a lack of staying power.

5.     Brittle nails

The nails are often a window to what’s going on in the body.  A tell-tale sign of iron deficiency can not only be thin, brittle nails but also a concave or spoon-shaped depression in the nails.

6.     Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) and iron deficiency are usually not associated with one another.  However, the first condition that may lead to symptoms of RLS is iron deficiency.  Research studies have found low iron levels in the blood and spinal fluid of individuals suffering from RLS.  The lower the iron levels, the worse the symptoms.  Iron deficiency is measured by a low serum ferritin level ( a marker of iron stores) which is a cause of RLS. Anyone with RLS should have their serum ferritin level checked. 

7.     Unusual cravings for nonfood substances

When a woman is having cravings for things that are not food (dirt, clay, ice, paint, sand, etc.) this is known as pica.  Pica is the pattern of eating non-food materials and has been associated with people who are lacking in certain nutrients such as iron and zinc.  Not everyone who has pica automatically has iron deficiency but they should have their iron levels checked. 

8.     Frequent infections

Since iron is necessary for normal immune function, early symptoms of iron deficiency often involve frequent infections such as colds or other viral illnesses that take a long time to go away.

9.     Cold hands and feet

Another symptom of iron deficiency can be experiencing cold hands and feet.  This feeling of coldness in the extremities is a result of reduced body temperature regulation due to iron deficiency.

10.  Lightheadedness or dizziness

A common feature of early stage iron deficiency may be feeling lightheaded or dizzy.  When iron stores are low, this compromises oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues including the brain.  As a result, a person may feel faint or dizzy to the point of possibly passing out. 

11.  Depression

When iron deficient, a person may notice a perception of “brain fog” or feelings of sluggishness or having difficulty focusing.  This can stem from the lack of insufficient red blood cells which can result in irritability and depression.

12.  Rapid heartbeat

The average person’s heartbeat ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute at rest.  People who are iron deficient will typically have an increased heart rate.  However, there can be many factors influencing heart rate such as physical exertion, emotional state and whether one is standing or sitting.   

Every single day, your body is busy pumping the mineral iron continuously through the bloodstream.  Iron is necessary to produce a protein called hemoglobin which gives red blood cells its color red.  Hemoglobin is like a delivery service – it picks up oxygen in the lungs, transporting it through the bloodstream delivering it to our muscles and tissue.  Along the way, it picks up carbon dioxide carrying it back to the lungs to be exhaled.

The most common nutritional deficiency in the world is iron deficiency anemia. This condition is where the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. 

The number of people with this condition is estimated at 2 billion – over 30% of the world’s population – primarily affecting women and children.